The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) is delighted to announce the appointment of sustainability expert Lisa Reynolds as CEO from 1 June 2020.
Reynolds’ is a long-time champion of sustainable, green building practices. Beyond her qualifications, which include a BSc (Chemistry), CEM and an MBA, Reynolds was co-founder of the Green Building Design Group, the Sustainability Development Executive at Saint-Gobain and Chair of the SANS Energy Efficiency Standards in Buildings initiative.
With the aim of increasing her direct contribution to the growth of the Green Economy Reynolds was President of the Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation and is the serving Past President.
Reynolds has a proven track record with GBCSA, which includes serving on the first Technical Working Group for the Green Star SA rating tool, as well as on the Board of Directors. She will be responsible for re-energising and positioning the organisation for a sustainable future in uncertain times.
As the current crisis compels humanity to reconsider how we all connect and interact with one another and the planet, our impact, more than ever, must be calculated and considered. All responsible citizens need to maintain their focus to rethink and respond to climate-related changes in the built environment.
The GBCSA’s rating tools provide a fundamental platform to measure and reduce the environmental impact of buildings and, steered by Reynolds, we are confident that our agenda will be more relevant than ever.
“In this time of COVID-19, as we emerge from lockdown, we must establish a strategy of green recovery and local value-added solutions. The effect of climate change remains one of our biggest challenges. Healthier, resource efficient buildings and places are vital,” says Reynolds.
“The Board welcomes Lisa to her role as CEO and is excited for her leadership during this next chapter for the GBCSA, with this high-profile appointment signalling the importance of sustainable building practices in South Africa,” says Ilse Swanepoel, GBCSA Chairperson.
The GBCSA was founded in 2007 as part of a global network of Green Building Councils and champions the application of green building principles and practices in SA’s property sector to inspire a built environment where people and planet thrive.
GBCSA is a major force in the fight against climate change by championing radical reductions in energy and water use and promoting the use of renewable resources. The result is buildings that are more efficient and that have a significantly reduced impact on precious natural resources.
